March 2013 • Volume 27 • Issue 3
A Reform Congregation Embracing Our Jewish Tradition
Fridays With Friends Happy Passover from Rabbi Greene, Cantor Kassel , Hassia Levin and your Board of Trustees! TEMPLE BETH TIKVAH WELCOMES CANTOR DEBORAH HARTMAN AND “THE TEMPLE” CHOIR
March 22, 2013 6:30 PM Menu Stuffed Shells Salad Challah Children 10 & Under Mac & Cheese Veggies
MARCH 15 at 8:00 PM Share the Experiences! Join Us for the Return
Shabbat Experience
of
March 29, 2013
Ruach Shabbat
And
March 22
8:00 PM
March 30, 2013
May 17
8:00 PM
See page 3
Welcome Shabbat with Spirited Voices & Instruments
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
For more information
Adult Meal $10 Child’s Meal $ 6 Complimentary Babysitting for ages 6 and under BY RESERVATION Please RSV P
By March 15 @ www.bethtikvah.com Sign up for events
Welcoming Elijah at our Seder – What Does that Really Mean? One year ago, I shared a message in this very newsletter about how we are commanded to the principle of “Let all who are hungry come and eat.” It is a major statement in our Passover seder. I wrote about how it is incumbent upon us as Jews to respond to those who are our modern-day “strangers” because we, too, were strangers in Egypt. And then I introduced the idea of Family Promise and its Interfaith Hospitality Network.
So yes, let’s do our part. We are grateful for all who have signed up, all who have bought supplies, all who have made contributions to make sure we can host these people with care and dignity. Thank you for recognizing that these families also have God’s spark within them. To learn more about our program and efforts, visit our web page at http://bethtikvah.com/social-action.
Rabbi Fred Greene Our Board took on a courageous decision to agree to welcome up to four homeless families with no where to go into our “house” (the synagogue facility) for a week at a time. Yes, during the day, these individuals will be at work, school, or at the Family Promise Day Center in Dunwoody. TBT Seniors Luncheon But at night, our congregants will be volunteering to set up a safe place for them to rest, provide thoughtful dinners, stay overnight with them, and then help them with Monday, March 11 at 11:30 AM breakfast and bagged lunches. We have now received our date to host and it is March 10, just two weeks before our Festival of Pesach. What an inspiring time for us – we remember our liberation from Egypt, and now… this very month, we get to liberate these families from THEIR EGYPT.
Celebrating the Anti-Defamation League at 100 years
Modim Anachnu Lach – We thank you God! We thank you for giving us the vision and the resources to extend our hands the way You extended Your Hand to our ancestors who came before us. Thank you for showing us the small and large ways that we can make a difference in people’s lives. Guide us to do this work so we can walk in Your ways. This is our small part to bring healing to our broken world. Modim Anachnu Lach.
Featuring guest speaker Holly Levinson, Education Director for the ADL Southeast Region, who will advise us of the importance of this organization What is the history of the ADL? What is the connection with Leo Frank? Have we achieved social justice and eradicated hatred?
All of us since we were kids would celebrate the end of the Passover seder. Some of us would celebrate because the seder was over! Others might have celebrated that we would get to run to the front door and open the door for Elijah the Prophet. Our Tradition teaches that this great prophet was himself homeless and an advocate for the poor. Before he died, he announced that he would return once in every generation disguised as a poor oppressed person, arriving at the doors of Jewish homes. Elijah’s treatment would determine whether humanity had improved enough to expect the coming of the Messianic Age. In this way the rabbis taught us that any poor or homeless person might be Elijah!
RSVP to Ruth Zeidman at 770.552.1966
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News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Notes from Cantor Kassel Cantor’ Kassel’s Book Review: THE JEW STORE by Stella Suberman Sunday, March 3, 10:00 – 11:00 AM Thursday, March 7, 12:00 – 1:00 PM (Lunch-And-Learn - bring your own dairy lunch) Many of our ancestors started out in this country as peddlers and made their way to small Southern towns, opening up dry goods stores that became known simply as “The Jew Store”. This book by Stella Suberman is an easy, humorous read, based on her own father (all names have been changed) that sheds light on this part of the American Jewish experience. It is a perfect compliment to classes on Jewish Genealogy that I will be offering next month. Feel free to come to the Book Review even if you did not get a chance to read the book.
Special Musical Shabbat Service: Friday, March 15, 8:00 PM Last summer, Cantor Hartman and I had the privilege of co-leading the opening T’filah (services) for the American Conference of Cantors convention in Portland, OR. Now we have the pleasure of joining together with our choirs in leading services at The Temple on March 1 (6:00 PM service) and then again at Temple Beth Tikvah on March 15 (8:00 PM service). This is the first collaborate effort of this kind and it is sure to be an uplifting music-filled service
SPICE UP YOUR SEDER!
Sundays, March 10 and March 17 at 10:45 AM This two-session class will help you better understand the structure of the Haggadah, the songs we sing for the Seder and offer suggestions for creative ways to spice up your next Seder! If you are the leader of your Seder, you'll be able to navigate your way through the Seder with more confidence. For those of you not leading the Seder, you'll be able to participate more fully and joyfully! Instructor: Cantor Nancy Kassel
“SHABBAT EXPERIENCE” – MARCH 2013 Parents of young children can attend services in the sanctuary while their children are in babysitting (for ages 2-4) or
Creative Jewish Experience (for ages Pre-K thru 2nd grade) Friday, March 29, 7:00 - 8:15 PM and/0r Saturday, March 30, 10:00 – 11:30 AM FREE TO ATTEND – BUT RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED and must be placed by Wed. March 27 at: www.bethtikvah.com “Signup For Events” section
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News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Religious School Lots of programs, speakers and activities took place in February. Our students were very active the entire month. The Rainbow Center from JF&CS presented a workshop to our 7th grade class. The workshop focused on stereotypes, self worth, self esteem and tolerance. They also focused on anti-bullying and self confidence to stand up to bully type situations. This all tied into the current unit about the Holocaust and anti-Semitism. Our kids were so open and direct with our guests during our discussions. The program was sensitive, forthright and engaged the class with great topics of personal responsibility, how we use language and stereotyping. They handled these provocative issues with maturity, openness and honesty. They felt safe to discuss their feelings and observations of others who behaved less than they thought desirable. It was marvelous to see how each and every student that was part of the two Sunday programs, not only got the message, but was able to express how they felt when they confronted uncomfortable situations. I was so proud of our seventh graders and hearing what they had to say, makes me hopeful for the next generation of adults to treat others equally and with dignity. The seventh grade parents joined the class on the second Sunday as part of the family education day. Our 4th and 5th grade students have been tested on the Hebrew prayers on several occasions. We had a great success with our testing. We will have a celebratory ice cream party for the two grades in the beginning of March. We celebrated Purim with beautiful arts and crafts projects for all ages. As always, students and teachers displayed a great deal of creativity and enthusiasm as they arrived to school in an array of costumes. Our 3rd and 4th grade students put on the Purim speil for the entire school. The children marched around the sanctuary in the adloyadah (Purim parade). Prizes were awarded for several categories. Students wore the masks and shook the groggers they created as art projects, and returned to class for a tasty treat of Hamentashen. Great fun was had by all. As soon as Purim was over, we began immediately studying and preparing for Pesach. Once again our school will do a model seder for the students. We have a very busy March planned. March 8th our 4th grade students will be hosting the Shabbat, oneg starts at 6:10, services begin at 6:30. Our 5th grade family education day is scheduled for March 10th. Please note: Due to Pesach and spring break for both Cobb and Fulton county, we will not have school from March 24th through April 13th . Classes resume on Sunday, April 14th. Shalom
Hassia Levin
Early Childhood Education Center The ECEC’s Jewish value for March is Masoret (zxqm) , meaning tradition. The root of Masoret comes from the word “to transmit”. Our Jewish tradition is made up of stories, holidays, foods, songs, dances, family, prayers, languages, texts, history, and many other elements. Just as we come together every year at Passover Seder to retell the story of our Exodus from Egypt, Jewish life cycles around the transmission of tradition. What traditions does your family have? Or what traditions do you want your family to have? It is never too late to start a new tradition, and Passover is a wonderful place to start. These traditions become who we are as Jews, as people and as families. Don’t miss valuable opportunities with your children to start new traditions and pass on old ones. Have A Happy Pesach! Shalom,
Jenifer Friedman ECEC Director
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
B’nai Mitzvah Eli Harris Rickles will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on March 2, 2013. Eli is the son of Ellen and Rob Rickles, the brother of Noah Rickles, and the grandson of Mary Lynn and Charles Alltmont, and Betty Rickles and the late Irwin Rickles, z”l. Eli is in the seventh grade at Haynes Bridge Middle School, where he is a member of the Beta Club and plays trumpet in the concert and jazz bands. Eli was selected to participate in the 2013 Georgia Music Educators Association District 5 Honor Band. Eli is also an accomplished piano player and enjoys writing music. Ellie Rose Coe will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on March 2, 2013. She is the daughter of Robin and David Coe and sister to Logan and Maya. Ellie is a 7th grade honor student at Hightower Trail Middle School. She is a talented pianist and plays violin in her school's chamber orchestra as well as the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra. Ellie also enjoys reading, learning new languages, and spending time with her dog, Phoebe. Ashlyn Braun will be called to the Torah as a Bat itzvah on March 9, 2013. Ashlyn is the daughter of Heather and Michael Braun, the sister of Nathan and Sadie Braun, and is in the 7th grade at High Meadows. Ashlyn's hobbies include reading, drawing, writing, and listening to music. Ashlyn planted trees, in memory of her grandfathers, as part of her mitzvah project. Audrey Elise Goldstrom will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on March 16, 2013. She is the daughter of Lori and Andy Goldstrom, and the younger sister of Sarah Goldstrom. Audrey is in the 7 th grade at Hightower Trail Middle School. She enjoys piano and tumbling and spends most of her year waiting for her next summer at Camp Coleman. Some of Audrey’s Mitzvah Projects included the planting of a tree in Israel in memory of Noah Pozner, the Jewish boy killed at Sandy Hook Elementary, and volunteering her time at Our Pals Place, a local pet shelter. She has also taken up a collection of items badly needed for the shelter to help defray their costs. Audrey is very excited to share this day with her family and friends! Hannah Sage Restler will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on March 23, 2013. Hannah is the daughter of John and Dahlia Restler, and has an older sister, Emily. She is the granddaughter of June and Donald Restler, who reside in Milton, Georgia. She is also the granddaughter of Nina and Simon Sznurman, who reside in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Hannah attends Northwestern Middle School as a 7th grader. She is on the honor roll and is active in an organization called “Rachel’s Challenge”, which is a club that discourages bullying. In her free time, Hannah is a company member of musical theater and jazz at RISPA. She also plays the piano and flute. Hannah is looking forward to becoming a Bat Mitzvah and is excited to further her Jewish education as a young adult in our community.
Youth Group HOTTY (9-12th Grade)
JYG (7 & 8th Grade)
WHAT DID WE DO THIS PAST MONTH?
WHAT IS JYG UP TO THIS MONTH?
We had a blast at SkyZone and Waffle House at the end of January! We spent the first part of the evening jumping around on the trampolines. This was followed by an inspiring Havdallah service led by Sam Marks based on the poem “The Missing Piece.” Finally, we took over the Waffle House across from SkyZone and enjoyed waffles, eggs, and hash browns!
Twelve JYG’ers are headed to Charlotte, NC March 8-10th for NFTY-SAR Hatikvah Kallah. We’ll join with other 7th and 8th graders from NFTYSAR (South Carolina, Georgia, Charlotte, NC, Chattanooga, TN, Montgomery, AL, Jacksonville, FL and Tallahassee, FL) for a fun-filled NFTYstyle weekend! Remember to join the JYG Facebook Page (https:// www.facebook.com/groups/TBT.JYG/) to stay up-to-date on what's happening and to RSVP and help arrange carpools for events!
UP NEXT:
HOTTY’s first Congregational Service and Shabbat Dinner. Join us on Want more info about HOTTY or JYG? Friday, March 1st for a service led by the members of HOTTY. There will Contact Adam or Bobbee at: youth@bethtikvah.com or be Shabbat Dinner before services for the HOTTY members and their (404) 228–2494 families. Watch your inbox for more details about dinner.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS Remember to join the HOTTY Facebook HOTTY: Page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/ TBT.HOTTY/) to stay up-to-date on what's Mar. 1 – Shabbat Dinner & HOTTY-led Services happening and to RSVP for CDTTY events! April 14 – Elections & Battle of the Sexes
April 26-28 – NFTY-SAR Spring Kallah (Camp Coleman, GA) JYG: April 21 – TBT-JYG Kickball
News & Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
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Shalom Chaverim - שלום חברים What are the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, that the L-RD our G-d commanded you? -What has been important to the Jewish people? What has been a value long-held by our people? Learning! -Take a step, broaden your knowledge about the “statutes and the judgments” of our people, OR -Maybe even a class about “Spicing up Your Seder” offered this month by Cantor Kassel, OR -How about learning about what’s happening in our children’s academic environments (college and elsewhere) regarding Israel? Learn how to talk to your college kids and those younger about Israel in our “Step Up to Israel” program this month.
Pesach “And if your son asks you in the future, saying,
What are the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, that the L-RD our G-d commanded you? You will say to your son, We were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt; and the L-RD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. The L-RD gave signs and wonders, great and harmful, against Egypt, against Pharaoh, and against all his household, before our eyes: And He brought us out of there to bring us in, to give us the land that He promised our fathers.”
You will say to your son, We were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt; and the L-RD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. Friends, The L-RD gave signs and wonders, great and harmful, As so often happens when I sit down to pen some thoughts against Egypt, against Pharaoh, and against all His to you, I take a look at the synagogue calendar to see what household, before our eyes: -Here we are told that there is a mandate to us as is going on in a respective month . . . looking for that Jews, and that is to: “source” of inspiration. This month it was easy . . .we have -Tell our children about enslavement -- all kinds: Pesach! personal (against which we can do something), collective When I read the piece above from Deuteronomy, it was as enslavement against others (against which we can do if I was hit “upside the head” (a popular southern something), and our own collective enslavement as Jews expression from my years-gone-by)! As I walked through (against which we can do something). each line -- no, as I found myself excavating through each -It’s Pesach! Our celebration of our exodus to line -- I found myself discovering -- unearthing and freedom from enslavement. Do something! uncovering ideas that I had either never considered, or quite frankly, had forgotten to consider for what has been And He brought us out of there to bring us in [to give us too long. Yet, I know that it is my obligation as a Jew to the land that he promised our fathers]. consider, to ponder, and to engage in ongoing discovery. -And this my friends is where I got “hit upside the head.” ‘He brought us out to bring us in.’ So, if I may, I will share some thoughts that came to mind, -There was purpose to G-d bringing us out . . .and spawned by this textual introduction to Pesach. that was to bring us in. -And if we are partners with G-d, then we also have “And if your son asks you in the future, saying, a hand in bringing ourselves and others out to bring -Of course it starts with reference to the process of ourselves and others in. questioning! It is what our mandate is as a people: to question, to dive deeply, to explore widely. So, this Pesach, think a little, study a bit, teach your -What are we doing today to keep our daughters and children about the enslavement of self and others, and our sons asking questions within a Jewish context? What are partnership with G-d to bring in. we doing today to ensure that their thirst for answers within a Jewish context are persistent, smart, and difficult for us to On behalf of my family and the Board of Trustees, best wishes to you for a wonderful Pesach and a Seder table answer? filled with family, friends and much joy. -As a synagogue, we must be certain not so much that we can give “the” answer, but that we have inspired to Shalom, question. -Deuteronomy 6:20-23
Steven C. Gerson President 6
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
March 2013 TBT Happenings Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat 1 9am B.L.T., Bagels Learning and Torah
6:30pm HOTTY Potluck Dinner
10am Shabbat Service - Coe/Rickles B’nai Mitzvah
8pm Shabbat Service led by Sr. Youth Grp
3 9:30am Religious School 9:30am Shacharit Morning Minyan 10am Melton - Your Child Has Questions 10:00am Book Review w/ Cantor Kassel 10am Chavurah Mtg 11:00am Beginning Hebrew Class II
4 7pm Kesher & Confirmation 7pm Melton Beyond Borders: The Arab Israeli Conflict
9:30am Religious School-Family Ed Day for 5th Grade 9:30am Shacharit Morning Minyan 9:45am Leadership Development 10:45am Adult Ed 10:45am Spice Up Your Seder
6:30pm Kesher Teen/Parent Potluck 7pm Families Anonymous
9 NFTY-SAR Hatikvah Kallah
6pm Oneg
12:00pm Lunch & Learn - book review of The Jew Store
6:30pm Family Shabbat Service hosted by 4th Grade
9am B.L.T., Bagels Learning and Torah 10am Shabbat Service - Braun Bat Mitzvah
7:30pm Choir Rehearsal
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15
16
5pm Relay for Life Team Captain Mtg
9:45am ECEC Dad’s Bagel Break
9am B.L.T., Bagels Learning and Torah
6pm Interfaith Seder
8pm Musical Shabbat Service w/ Choirs from TBT & The Temple
10am Shabbat Service - Goldstrom Bat Mitzvah
7:30pm Step Up for Israel 7:30pm Relay for Life Steering Committee Mtg
7:15pm Melton Dramas
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19 9am Tai Chi
7pm Melton Dramas
20 9:30am JF&CS Workshop Interviewing Skills
5pm Religious School
10:45am Spice Up Your Seder
Chol Hamoed
5pm Religious School
7:15pm Melton Beyond Borders: The Arab Israeli Conflict
9:30am TBT Project Committee Meeting
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8 NFTY-SAR Hatikvah Kallah
13 9:30am JF&CS Workshop - Resume Development
7pm Confirmation
7pm Melton Beyond Borders: The Arab Israeli Conflict
9:30am Officers Meeting
12 9am Tai Chi
7pm Families Anonymous
24 No Religious School
7:30pm Choir Rehearsal
11 11:30am Seniors Luncheon
7pm Kesher & Confirmation
9:30am Shacharit Morning Minyan
5pm Religious School
7 7:30am TBT Business to Business
7pm Families Anonymous
17 9:30am Religious School - Passover Celebration
6 9:30am JF&CS Workshop - Job Search Skills
7pm Melton Dramas
10 NFTY-SAR Hatikvah Kallah
5 9am Tai Chi
2
6:00 pm TBT Choir sings at The Temple
21 7pm Women’s Study Group
7:30pm Board of Trustees Meeting
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26
1st Night Passover Seder
2nd Night Passover Seder
No ECEC classes
No ECEC Classes
No Religious School
No Religious School
Synagogue Office Closes at Noon
10am Passover Service
27 Chol Hamoed
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23 9am B.L.T., Bagels Learning and Torah
8pm Ruach Shabbat Service
10am Shabbat Service - Restler Bat Mitzvah
28 Chol Hamoed
7pm Yoga with a Jewish Twist
No Religious School
22 6pm Fridays with Friends
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30
Chol Hamoed
Chol Hamoed
7pm Shabbat Service and Shabbat Experience
9am M.L.T., Matzah Learning and Torah 10am Shabbat Service and Shabbat Experience
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Donations Campaign TBT-EveryOne Matters Dale and Wendy Bearman in memory of Herbert Stein, Martha Bearman, Nora Stein, Yetta Dutkiewitz and Ann Eileen Kant Steve and RoseAnn Gerson in memory of Whit H. Mahan Sandy & Nancy Simon in memory of Abe Berney
Edmund Weisberger in memory of Joan Gray Weisberger and Dr. H. William Gray Edmund Weisberger in memory of Della Weisberger Preschool Fund Barry and Shari Alhadeff in memory of Milton Kirchheimer Jenifer Friedman & the TBT ECEC in honor of the birth of Eva Alena Feinberg Douglas Wexler and Jane Greenberger in honor of the 21st birthday of their granddaughter, Adriane Cooper
Building Fund David & Christine Toltzis in memory of Arthur Toltzis Cantor Kassel's Discretionary Fund Brad and Jill Kaplan in honor of Cantor Kassel Spencer and Debra Shilling in honor of Cantor Kassel Douglas and Lisa Schiffer in memory of Louise Stein Richard Monat in honor and memory of Scott Jared Kaufman Monat Ruth Zeidman in memory of Joseph Zeidman Ilene Monat in memory of Scott Monat
Rabbi Greene’s Discretionary Fund Howard & Cynthia Steinberg in memory of Regina Karmel Gordon and Patty Berger in memory of Louise Rosenfeld Stein Audrey Eisen in memory of Charlotte Liroff David & Christine Toltzis in memory of Joseph Zeidman Linda Miller in honor of Rabbi Greene Brad and Jill Kaplan in honor of Rabbi Greene Linda Miller in honor of Ryan Rosenthal Bart and Kara Segal in memory of Elaine Segal Judee Levinson in memory of Joseph Aronow William and Catherine Sirkin in memory of Arthur Sirkin and Ruth Sirkin Waxman Jim Connah in honor of Rabbi Greene Walter and Esther Shultz in honor of Noa Greene Barry & Marlene Goren in memory of William Sands and David Goren Hilda Ortiz in memory of Hilda Maria Ortiz S. Ira and Phyllis Madans in honor of the speedy recovery of Norma Rosen Edward and Myrna Kaye in honor of a speedy recovery for Noa Greene Saul & Shirley Plotkin in memory of Ida Plotkin Andrew Gutman in memory of Sol Baruch Gutman Harold and Ina Enoch in honor of the speedy recovery of Noa Greene Robert and Ellen Rickles in memory of Irwin Rickles Saul & Shirley Plotkin in memory of Philip Plotkin June Wallach in honor of the speedy recovery of Noa Greene Anne Grossman in memory of Eric Lipson
Caring/Kehillat Chesed Fund Lila Stein in memory of Yetta Dutkiewitz Ronald and Leslie Swichkow in honor of the birth of Marsha and Tom McMurrain's grandchild, Hudson Ruth Zeidman in memory of Whit H. Mahan Lois Clymin in memory of Jean Migatz Max and Carol Wolf in memory of Stephen Perling Gordon and Hollis Decker in memory of Harriet Decker Levi Ruth Zeidman in honor of the speedy recovery of Noa Greene Lois Clymin in honor of a speedy recovery for Doris Rosing and Noa Greene Ruth Zeidman in honor of a speedy recovery for Doris Rosing Endowment Campaign Bruce and Bonnie Walkes in memory of Nathan Mangen, Sol Walkes and Arnold Mangen Douglas Wexler and Jane Greenberger in memory of Dr. P. Richard Wexler General Fund Shirley Crawford Andy Berke and Family in memory of Herbert Berke Rabbi Tam Discretionary Fund Pessie Shippel in memory of Chaim Movsowitz Myra Idol in memory of Jack Schaier Max & Shoshana Eisner in memory of Yetta Eisner Melvin and Amy Finkel in memory of Nathan Finkel Emily Lewit in memory of Michael Lewit, Ruth Frenkel, Theresa Olshine, and Herbert Olshine Spencer and Debra Shilling in memory of Ida Kerbel Jeffrey & Meridith Kaiser in memory of Robert Leventhal Carol Lipinsky in memory of Murray Lipinsky Chai and Mighty Chavurah in memory of Whit H. Mahan Dr. Allan and Pessie Shippel in memory of Haley Shippel Shirley Crawford in honor of Temple Beth Tikvah
Rabbi Tam’s Discretionary Fund Marvin and Trudy Davis in memory of Ruth Rein Bernard and Bernice Bickwit in memory of Sarah Bickwit Andrew and Barbara Sacks in memory of Hy Sacks Religious School Fund Fred and Patricia Landsberg in memory of Brandon Hirsch Clifford and Loretta Weiss in memory of Sarah Knieberg Elliot and Carol Millman in memory of Abe Zukerman Fred and Patricia Landsberg in memory of Solomon Turkel Torah Fund Morray and Susan Scheinfeld in memory of Joseph Scheinfeld and Sophie Scheinfeld Ira and Phyllis Madans in memory of Judy Grosswald
Michael Zalkin Memorial Fund Lila Stein in honor of the B'not Mitzvah of Leora and Yael Greene Jeffrey & Beth Kess in memory of Lester Mansfield Aaron and Sheila Stieglitz in memory of Jacob Krigsner Elliot and Carol Millman in memory of Martin Levin
Youth Group Fund Steve and RoseAnn Gerson in honor of the birth of Hudson, grandson of Marsha and Tom McMurrain Douglas Wexler and Jane Greenberger in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Daniel Wexler
Prayerbook Fund Barbie and Andy Perlmutter and Jamie H. Perry in memory of Harold R. Hirschfield Mark and Sally Vosk in memory of Ella Monaco Terri Cohen in memory of Mel Haskins
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
SOCIAL ACTION Support Relay for Life—Ruach Atlanta and Enjoy the Play!
Atlanta Hunger Walk Sunday, March 10, 2013 Turner Field/Green Lot, 755 Hank Aaron Drive, Atlanta 12:00pm: Onsite Registration 2:00pm: Walk Begins
Hello, Dolly! Wednesday, April 10th, 2013 7:30 pm
The Hunger Walk team for the local Jewish Community is convened by the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. Through the Federation’s Hunger Walk/Run campaign, the Jewish community supported 23 organizations last year. These organizations ranged from Kosher food programs and shelters to food distribution programs, and touched the lives of people in Atlanta, nationally, and even in Israel. Members of the Jewish community make it a priority to care for people in need, and this is also an integral part of the mission of the Jewish Federation. The family-friendly, festival atmosphere includes food vendors, games, educational activities, live entertainment and more! To walk or sponsor a walker please contact Jeff Willard at pursuejustice@comcast.net or (770) 886-1704.
Georgia Ensemble Theatre’s blockbuster season finale brings you our first-ever classic Broadway musical, with our own unique stylings. This memorable musical based on Thornton Wilder’s The Matchmaker regales us with the heart-warming story of life’s second chances as maneuvered by the indomitable Dolly Levi. TICKETS ON SALE NOW! $10.00
Join TzedekGeorgia
Proceeds go to Relay for Life—Ruach Atlanta To purchase tickets or for more info contact: Esther or Walt Shultz [770 442-9559 or savtaesther5@gmail.com]
A Reform Jewish Advocacy Group
(Checks should be made out to: American Cancer Society)
Lobby Day at the Capitol March 20 from 9 am until 12 pm The Southern District Social Action Committee of the Union for Reform Judaism is enlisting congregants from its 18 congregations in Georgia to lobby the state legislature on social justice issues consistent with the Jewish mandate of Tikun Olam – “repairing the world.” The goal is for participating members from all of our congregations to meet with their Georgia State Legislators at the Capitol. Participants who are new to the process will be trained on how to advocate effectively. To join the effort please contact tzedekgeorgia@yahoo.com. For more information find us on the web at www.tzedekgeorgia.org. or call (770) 886-1704.
If you are supporting a team or a walker please let Walt and Esther know! Georgia Ensemble Theater, Roswell Cultural Arts Center 950 Forrest Street, Roswell 30075
TBT’s Annual “Pass Over” Your Coat Drive Spring has finally arrived, and like most of nature we are busy shedding our heavy, gray, winter wear in favor of lighter and brighter clothing. If you have children's coats that have been outgrown, or ones that you cannot bear to wear another season, please consider donating them to our coat drive. We collect coats at the synagogue, have them cleaned and deliver them to North Fulton Community Charities for distribution next winter. The coats will be given to families in need; they will not be sold at the clothes closet.
The entire community is invited to a Yom HaShoah Commemoration sponsored by the Atlanta Rabbinical Association and the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta. In addition to a keynote address, the ceremony will include the lighting of the torches and a special musical presentation featuring Cantor Daniel Gale from Temple Beth-El, Birmingham, Alabama. The program will take place in the beautiful Besser Holocaust Memorial Garden at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta,
Please drop off your coats at the synagogue anytime in April, and we will take care of the rest. If you have any questions about this project, please feel free to talk to Marsha Mathis any time. Thank you for your continued support of Temple Beth Tikvah’s efforts to alleviate some of the hardships faced by members of our community.
This program is free and open to the community. 9
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
JF&CS - Jewish Disability Month It’s March, and Passover is coming up at the end of the month. When we think of this most wonderful holiday, what usually comes to mind? FOOD! So it’s apropos to highlight some food-related items of interest. On March 10, the Atlanta Community Food Bank holds its annual Hunger Walk at Turner Field. As we do every year, JF&CS and many of our partnering synagogues will be forming teams to walk en masse with the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. Federation was one of the founding partners and a leading fundraiser for the walk. For the past five years, those walking with Federation made up the largest faith-based fundraising group at the event. The Hunger Walk benefits six local relief organizations, including Federation, that distribute food to shelters, food pantries, child centers, community centers and other places that provide assistance. Last year, proceeds from the day accounted for 56 percent of JF&CS’ Kosher Food Pantry’s budget. The Kosher Food Pantry has operated for about 15 years. Last year, the pantry distributed roughly 5,500 pounds of food to more than 1,500 people in 860 households. We couldn’t do it without the help of our partner synagogues. Thank you to all the congregants who have donated food. Please keep the donations coming! But please also note that we no longer accept any non-Kosher food. The Pantry is now strictly kosher in response to the increased demand to serve the Jewish Community. (This does not mean we will turn away non-Jews who need help.) To set up a food drive, please contact Sheri Schwartz at shschwartz@jfcs-atlanta.org.
Nominating Committee - Call for Petitions It’s not too early to begin thinking about our new slate of volunteers for our May congregational meeting. The Temple Beth Tikvah Nominating Committee is requesting nominations by petition for the 2013-2014 Board of Trustees, Officers, and Board of Education. If you would like to nominate a congregant or submit a nomination for yourself, these are the criteria, according to our by-laws: 1) All nominations by petition must be separate for each position. 2) Each petition must be signed by twenty-five (25) *voting members of the congregation and must also be signed by the voting member who has petitioned. 3) No more than one (1) petition shall be submitted for any one member. 4) All petitions must be submitted by March 1, 2013. *A voting member is defined as "member in good standing" by our constitution. Please send all nominations to the Temple office, attention to Vicki Steine, Nominating Committee Chair.
Finally, as Passover approaches, tradition holds that in every Jewish community, a financial appeal is made so every Jew can properly prepare for this important holiday. During the first two weeks of March, many synagogues are collecting Maos Chitim donations as well as Passover food for those who need help financially or physically. JF&CS coordinates the program on behalf of the community. Again, we thank all who participate in this important effort and ask that you get any Passover food donations to our Dunwoody office by Wednesday, March 13. For more information, or if you would like to help us put packages together on Thursday, March 14, at 2 p.m., please contact Denise Deitchman at ddeitchman@jfcs-atlanta.org. On behalf of everyone at JF&CS, chag kasher v'same'ach.
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
The Women's Interfaith Community
Yoga with a Jewish Twist
Roswell, Georgia
th
Thursday, March 28 , 7 - 8:15 pm
What do Freedom and Spring Have in Common?
Enjoy the physical journey of yoga by strengthening your body, mind and spirit, while integrating Jewish wisdom. If you are new to yoga but involved in Jewish study, you will discover how your own body is an expression of Torah wisdom. If you are involved in a yoga practice, you will increase your journey by finding inspiration and meaning from Judaic wisdom.
Please join us as we explore the meaning of the Passover Seder and Freedom This workshop is presented by: Shelley Buxbaum, PhD. Director of Lisa F. Brill Institute of Jewish Learning at the Marcus Jewish Community Center and Director of Florence Melton Adult School of Jewish Learning
Thursday, March 14, 2013 6:00 Check-In and 6:15 dinner and program At Temple Beth Tikvah
Learn to understand your body while enlightening your soul with Torah wisdom.
Pot Luck Dinner-Vegetarian only
Co-ed class will meet once a month. Bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothes. RSVP to Pam Chanin chaninp@bellsouth.net or 404-219-1453
RSVP (only if you are attending)to Sharon Khoury: shniben@gmail.com Please bring a food item for donation to North Fulton Community Charities
Temple Beth Tikvah warmly welcomes the following new members to our family:
Temple Beth Tikvah gift shop
Joshua and Rachel & Isaac DeMuth 812 Poplar Terrace Canton, GA 30115
Come visit us to see what’s new MARCH right in and introduce yourself during our open hours of Tuesday and Sunday during Religious School. We are here to serve you! Lots of wonderful jewelry, tallit, gifts and more.
Carrie, Pam and Rhonda The Chavurah Program The Chavurah program is available to members of Temple Beth Tikvah and provides a way to get to know others and to build lasting friendships with fellow synagogue members. It is one of the many ways to enhance your experience as a member of the Temple Beth Tikvah community. What does a Chavurah do? Each Chavurah decides on its own blend of Jewish learning, through programs of study, observances of holidays and festivals, socializing and sharing of simchas. Members personalize and vitalize their Jewish experience and participate together in synagogue life and community concerns. When does a Chavurah meet? Each Chavurah usually meets once a month in the homes of its members (or at another location), in rotation. With that said, each Chavurah sets the frequency of meeting that works best for that particular group. The group will decide on the most convenient dates and times based on the schedules of all its members. Sometimes meetings alternate adult only and family events. Questions? Please contact Ivie Graiser @ iviegraiser@yahoo.com or 770-641-0144 11
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
PURIM CARNIVAL 2013
TBT Comedy Night a Huge Success! Temple Beth Tikvah’s SOLD OUT Comedy Night, hosted by the Membership and Fundraising Committees was, by all accounts, a huge success. Evan Berke who grew up at TBT and whose parents are currently members, warmed up the crowd and paved the way for Dusty Slay, Johnny Porrozzo and, of course, Jerry Farber long time Atlanta comedian/musician and owner of Jerry Farber’s Side Door. The group was treated to good wine and vodka thanks to Mark Reese who arranged donations from Estancia and SVEDKA. As always, our bakers provided a plethora of delicious desserts and Emma Lipsitt provided her professional sound expertise. It all came together into one enjoyable evening. The comedy and musical talents of these performers had the audience talking about a repeat performance in the not too distant future!
Photos courtesy of Rachel Palazzo—Love”n”Light Photography
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
ADULT ED
Submissions for the April Kol Tikvah are due to the synagogue office by Tuesday, March 5. Please email to koltikvah@bethtikvah.com
Joshua ben Perachyah said: Find for yourself a teacher and get yourself a friend; and judge every man towards merit. Pirkei Avot 1
Adult Ed Classes in March
HELP US HELP YOU
Mar 3 at 10 am - The Jew Store book review with Cantor Nancy Kassel
Your synagogue community wants to be a Caring Community/Kehillat Chesed.
Mar 4, 11 and 18 at 7:15 pm—Melton: Beyond Borders & Dramas Mar 7 at 12 pm - Lunch & Learn: The Jew Store book review with Cantor Nancy Kassel Mar 10 and 17 at 10:45 am—Spice Up Your Seder
If you have recently experienced a loss or are facing a crisis, please let our office know as soon as possible.
Mar 10 at 10:45 am—Torah Study with Rabbi Pam Gottfried Mar 14 at 7:30 pm - Step Up for Israel Mar 18 at 7:00 pm - Women’s Study Group Click here for a listing of all upcoming Adult Ed classes
CONDOLENCES
Our clergy and friends strive to be a source of support as best as they can. If you know of one of our fellow congregants that has experienced a loss or can use a hand, please contact the office at 770.642.0434.
Temple Beth Tikvah acknowledges with sorrow the passing of: Whit H. Mahan Father of Steve Mahan
May God console you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
SCHMOOZE NEWS / KUDOS CORNER Mazal Tov to... Carol & Bruce Waldman, on the birth of their grandson, Noah Russell Graiser, born on February 4, to Amy and Brad Graiser
Planning a simcha or group gathering? The Tam-Blank Social Hall is the Place to Be.
Thank You to… Richard Staviss and Karen Tuttle for all their help in the synagogue office.
For more information on renting our Social Hall, contact the synagogue office at 770-642-0434.
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News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Synagogue Information Synagogue Office Fax Number School Office (Perri) Preschool (Jenifer) Assistant to Clergy Financial Secretary Admin. Assistant Office Manager
- 770-642-0434 - 770-642-0647 - 770-642-4168 - 678-350-0076 - Michelle Leder - Jenny Korsen - Lisa Singer - Becky Sullivan
Potential Customers are Reading this Publication Right Now! Call Lisa at 770.642.0434 to find out how you can advertise your business.
Get Involved! TBT Committees and Chairpersons Adult Education Cindy Getty cindygetty@me.com Budget & Finance Harlan Graiser harlanng@yahoo.com Chavurot Ivie Graiser iviegraiser@yahoo.com College Outreach Lynda Bennett lrbennett08@comcast.net Ginger Glazer ggchoc@bellsouth.net Communications Dave Faupel davefaupel8@yahoo.com Fundraising Ruben Braiter rbraiter@manh.com Gift Shop Pam Alterman pmalterman@earthlink.net Carrie Bickwit carriebickwit@yahoo.com Rhonda Schweber rschweber@comcast.net House Ted Nathan tnathan@baldwinscheduling.com Human Resources Karen Moss karenmoss4@msn.com
Israel Gene Carasick gcarasick@gmail.com Kehillat Chesed (Caring) Leslie Swichkow lswichkow@comcast.net Membership Recruitment & Retention Mark Rudel mrudel@ups.com Men’s Club Neil Goldstein nsg24@cornell.edu Nominating Committee Vicki Steine vicsteine@comcast.net Outreach To Be Determined Ritual Esther Shultz savtaesther5@gmail.com Rosh Chodesh Women’s Group Pam Chanin chaninp@bellsouth.net Security Michael Gutkin gutkin1@bellsouth.net Seniors Ruth Zeidman zeidmanr@comcast.net
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Sisterhood Mary Block Mary_block@hotmail.com Social Action Jeff Willard pursuejustice@comcast.net Rodney Eberhardt reberhardt@amerisourcebergen.com Social Committee To Be Determined Website Development Mark Weiss maweiss@mindspring.com Scott Povlot spovlot@yahoo.com Youth Group Michal Loventhal and Debra Schwartz loventhalmichal@gmail.com dls63@bellsouth.net
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
For A Special Friend: A courtesy examination & x-ray at no charge when you present this card
LEVINSON CHIROPRACTIC & VAX-D CENTER 5457 Roswell Road, Suite 102 Sandy Springs, Georgia 30342 404-257-0404
www.levinsonchiropractic.com
Publication’s Title and Number: Kol Tikvah • Volume 27 Issue 3 Issue Date: March 2013 Frequency: Monthly Authorized Organization’s Name and Address: Temple Beth Tikvah • 9955 Coleman Road • Roswell, GA 30075 15
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah
Fred Greene Rabbi Donald A. Tam Rabbi Emeritus Nancy Kassel Cantor Hassia Levin Education Director Jenifer Friedman ECEC Director Steve Gerson President Ron Swichkow President-Elect Paul Beckman Vice President Todd Boehm Vice President Marsha Mathis Vice President Mark Craig Treasurer Rhonda Povlot Secretary Seth Zimmer Chairperson, Board of Education
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